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The way you see the world simply isn't the way others see the world, most of the time. The negatives you perceive in your own life, in particular, are generally not on anyone's radar but yours. So why are you trying so incredibly hard to get someone else to see it your way, when your way . . . kind of sucks? They have a happier view of the situation, so might I suggest that instead of squandering your energy attempting to get them to agree with your dismal perspective, why don't you work on bringing yourself to theirs?

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Cruelty towards animals or other people (whether through maliciousness, insensitivity, or neglect) is something you generally can't tolerate. I admire that about you. I know we're always urging you to be less stubborn and more flexible, but here's someplace where it's better if you don't bend. Rigorously expecting those around you to be compassionate, patient, giving, and humane is something that will make everyone better; allowing compromise in this department is just letting yourself and others down. Hold the line, and absolutely require kindness as a prerequisite for being in your life. If someone can't deliver, dump them.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Sometimes we do awful things under the guise of "just looking out for you." Occasionally that means we needlessly shield someone from the truth of a situation because we "don't want them to be hurt." Of course, such a plan is usually shortsighted, only making it worse when they find out anyway. Other times we say we're looking out for someone when we're really just spreading gossip or looking out for ourselves. Truth is generally the best policy, but this week really try to take yourself out of the picture (or put yourself in others' shoes in it), and gauge how much good or harm you could potentially do—before you get involved.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Being right isn't the virtue you think it should be. Sometimes it's reason enough for someone to dislike you—provided you're petty enough to make a stink about it. I love that you're so smart and able to accurately assess situations—that you're right as incredibly often as you are. But unless that trait's joined by humility and tact, it'll breed more resentment than affection. Usually when you're right, it's OK to gently speak up in time to help someone prevent a mistake; but after shit's gone down, it's best to just keep your mouth shut about it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You love being generous, but sometimes your generosity is marred by an internal tally sheet that usually shows you racking up lots of points, which consequently makes you feel like the recipients of your benevolence are mostly selfish ingrates. Gifts, however, should be freely given, and while there may be a grain of truth to your perception (humans are inherently selfish, by and large), focusing on that won't lead to anything good. Take pleasure in the giving in and of itself. If you receive something, go ahead and delight in it—as long as you don't feel bad if nothing (or something less than what you expected) is all you get.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Hey, Leo. Consider tact. Yes, the truth's the truth, and I admire your willingness to just speak up. That takes a certain kind of wonderful bravery. However, there are times when your bluntness is completely unnecessary. It would be awful if you felt compelled to change the essential nature of your message; however, won't you consider editing and improving its delivery? For example, even if something did not require careful consideration, or didn't cause you pain, or doesn't matter to you at all, it might still be kinder to pretend it did, at least a little.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Saying no is often the kindest thing you can do. Why then do you often have so much trouble actually doing it? It probably seems harsh to you, and because you're a nice, polite, respectful person, it pains you to ever deny someone something. However, please acknowledge that giving into this propensity isn't doing them, or you, any favors. Even though it probably feels good right in the moment (particularly if they gush with gratitude), it so often leads to hurt feelings and drama down the line. Those are far worse than if you'd simply said "Sorry, no" right from the get-go.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Sometimes when dealing with irrational (or crazy) people, it causes us to behave in ridiculous or insane ways. This is when your natural responsiveness and sensitivity is a kind of weakness, because by adapting to an unreasonable situation, you make yourself into a nut. This is when a reality check is massively in order—if you can't deliver one to yourself, surely you know someone who can slap you back to earth. Then it's up to you to gently (and lovingly, if possible) enforce logical, sane standards and boundaries, and not endow the borderline-crazies in your life with more power than they should rightfully have.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

There are lots of different ways for people to be supportive. Just because they're not doing what you want them to do doesn't necessarily mean they don't love you or want you to succeed. Try to appreciate all the great respect and encouragement you're already getting rather than focus on the bits and pieces you're still not getting. It's certainly OK to ask for those, but whether you get them or not, move on. Harping about what more people could or should do for you is only likely to get you less, in the long run—and piss people off in the short run. Get over it.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I'm a huge fan of trusting your instincts. How far you go based on them, though, is another story. Let them set you on the path that's right for you. Use a gut-check to verify your course along the way. But also allow your rational mind to exert some influence over the speed with which you travel that path. Taking things too slow (because of fearfulness, perhaps) is just as bad as going too quickly, so be observant and logical when setting (and frequently adjusting) your pace. Where you're going is an instinctive thing. When you get there—that's for your mind to decide.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You're nowhere near as good a liar as you think. In fact, most of the lies you get away with are simply because those you tell them to would rather believe them than the truth they secretly know, or else can't be bothered to call you out on it. Although there are occasionally good and kind reasons to practice some forms of deception, they are few and far between; honesty is almost always the best policy—and that's true for you now as well. Tell the truth, even if it makes you look bad. The lie you'd tell in its place makes you look far worse.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Just because someone thinks they get to call the shots doesn't mean they necessarily should. Bossy people tend to get bossier when they've screwed up, so instead of being punished for their mistakes, they're often empowered by them by those too hurt or scared to stick up for them. You're not one of those people, though. Sometimes you're too laid-back to put someone in their place—but let this be one of those times where you bother to call out those Bossy Bessies on their pushy behavior. Let them get as indignant as they want, but that still doesn't put them in charge—which is a very good thing.